State-Local Officials Seek To Redevelop Former Olympia Brewery Site In Tumwater, Washington

Area Development News Desk

01/20/2014

Related Research

Washington State’s Community Economic Revitalization Board joined local officials to assist in redevelopment of the 175-acre former Olympia Brewery site in Tumwater, Washington, as part of a public-private mixed-use development partnership.

The state Community Economic Revitalization Board awarded a $50,000 grant to the City of Tumwater in partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council for planning efforts aimed at redeveloping the historic former Olympia Brewery site, which opened in 1896 and closed in 2003. According to published reports some envision the site can be transformed into a mixed-use development that includes retail, office space and a micro-brewery.

As Washington’s strategic economic development resource, CERB is focused on creating private sector jobs in partnership with local governments by financing infrastructure improvements. These improvements encourage new business development and expansion. In addition to funding construction projects, CERB provides limited funding for studies that evaluate high-priority economic development projects.

“This project is a great example of the unique economic development opportunities that CERB funds in jurisdictions around our state,” said CERB Chair Allen Brecke. “The board is pleased to collaborate with the City of Tumwater as they work for the future development of their community while preserving an important piece of local history.”

“The City of Tumwater is transforming this landmark site that’s been long-abandoned into an economic asset for the region,” said Kendee Yamaguchi, Assistant Director of Local Government and Infrastructure at the Washington Department of Commerce. “We are looking forward to seeing the outcomes of this important work.”

Matched by more than $16,000 from the Department of Ecology, CERB funds will target a review of public facilities needed for redevelopment and public/private partnership opportunities for the site.